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Factors to Consider

For students dreaming of studying abroad or elsewhere in the US, it's important to look at a couple of key things before applying. We're talking about how the program fits with your classes and the financial side of things. Thinking about these early on will help make sure it's a smooth and successful experience for everyone!

Academic Credit Transfer 

Students attending another university for summer, winterim or the full semester must obtain approval for the transfer of each course by the corresponding academic department. Make sure you discuss the transferability of all selected courses with your Academic Adviser.  This will help assure that with a passing grade, your efforts will apply to your Parkside academic program.  To obtain course approval, go to  the Current Student Forms page and under REGISTRAR, click "Advanced Approval for Proposed Transfer Credit".  You will be asked to upload course descriptions/syllabi. 

Study Abroad Courses Taught by Parkside Professors
These Parkside courses do not require credit transfer. After committing to the Study Abroad program, you will simply register for this Parkside course as normal.  Talk to your Academic Advisor to see how the class fits into your academic program. 

Financial Information 

Parkside Study Abroad Fees
All Parkside study abroad programs require a $100 Study Abroad Administrative fee, a $50 Study Abroad Contingency fee and an International insurance fee .  These fees are in addition to the costs for the specific study abroad program.   

University-Based Programs 
Parkside students are connected with universities around the world through Program Providers like CISAbroad, ISA or AIFS.   These providers offer semester, summer or winterim options.  Students participating in programs sponsored by a program provider or other partner universities must follow the payment regulations of these institutions.  Although UWP does not charge tuition with these programs, Parkside study abroad fees (administrative and contingency, and international insurance fees) will be placed on your SOLAR account. 

National Student Exchange
National Student Exchange is a cost effective way of arranging an amazing study away experience!  Students simply pay Parkside tuition, an NSE $150 application fee, and a UWP $150 Administrative fees for participation.  NSE participants who enroll in programs outside of the US, will also be charged for international student insurance. 
 
Parkside Faculty-Led Programs
Students participating in Parkside Faculty Led Programs are charged a Program fee specific to the course, as well as Parkside Study Abroad Fees.  Program fees may or may not include Parkside tuition.  Contact the faculty leader to obtain a program budget. 

Exchange Programs
When participating in exchange programs (like Hessen or NSE) students pay their normal tuition fees here at home.   Summer and Winterim Hessen Exchange programs charge for 6 credits of tuition. Additionally, students are charged study abroad fees and international insurance fees.  

Other Costs to Remember
Be sure to check what is included in the program fee.  Most programs include housing, but do not include airfare.  Those with host family lodging may include meals.  Also consider the costs of a passport and perhaps a foreign study visa.  Do not forget that you will need spending money for everyday expenses. 

Financial Aid 

Governmental financial aid can travel with you!  
Federal and State study abroad aid awards are calculated based on total program costs (including tuition, room, board, personal expenses, books, and airfare) and therefore could change when you study at another location. To receive aid, students must remain in full-time academic status. (Summer students must have a total of 6 credits.)  Once you have one or two program options in mind, contact Financial Aid to discuss details.   
 
Please be aware that governmental financial aid carries the expectation that you will be making "satisfactory academic progress" towards achieving your degree.  This means that you must remain in full-time status, pass your courses and complete the study abroad program or negative financial aid consequences could result. 
 
If you are a Federal Pell grant recipient, consider applying for the Benjamin J. Gilman International Scholarship, which awards up to $5,000 for studying abroad (4-week program minimum). 2800 Gilman scholarships were awarded nationally this year! 
 

Parkside students receive thousands of dollars of Wisconsin Study Abroad grants each year.  Qualified students may receive the following amounts based on the length of the study abroad program. 
 
Wisconsin Study Abroad Grant Awards: 

  • Program length under 14 days:  $750 
  • Programs length over 14 days and under 1 full-time semester: $1000 
  • Full-time semester programs (12 credits or more):  $2000 

To qualify, applicants must: 

  • Be a US citizen and Wisconsin resident. 
  • Be a Parkside student seeking a first bachelor's degree. 
  • Possess a GPA of 2.5 or better. 
  • Demonstrate financial need with a FAFSA on file with the Parkside Financial Aid Office. 
  • Be accepted to an approved study abroad program and enrolled in at least 3 transferable credits. 
  • Must be/have been enrolled full time (12 credits) the semester prior to the study abroad program.  
  • Have not received a Wisconsin Study Abroad grant previously. 

To apply for the Wisconsin Study Abroad grant or other UW-Parkside grant opportunities complete this form: Study Abroad Grant Eligibility Application. We suggest you make an appointment with Financial Aid to discuss eligibility and financial options.  Awards cannot be disseminated until you have confirmed your acceptance into a study program.  

Researching Destinations

While you want to choose a program that fits into your academic program as well as your budget, before you make your final decision take some time to do country research. While travel is always an exciting challenge, make sure that you are prepared for life in your destination.  You should be well aware of the country's affordability, health and safety conditions as well as cultural expectations.   
 
Be sure to check out these governmental resources: 

The Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) provides useful information on recommended vaccinations, prescriptions and medical services abroad. 

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